Leadership, Strategy & Communication in Times of Crisis in the Context of BREXIT

Lecture “Exposition of the BREXIT Disaster – Insights and Reasons” by Michael Cole

(c) Markus Hechenberger

On April 26, 2019, award-winning BBC News correspondent Michael Cole gave his lecture at the Audimax. After a short introduction by Senior Researcher Uta Rußmann he gave insights at first hand and explained why the BREXIT is a tragedy for his country. After a summary by lecturer Bettina Gneisz-Al-Ani (Crisis Communication & Public Affairs) the audience could ask questions.

First, Michael Cole talks about a land split in half, where not only parties but also families are divided in two. He describes the way to exit the EU as “to climb the Großglockner in January in trainers”.

The referendum in 2016 is not the political tool usually used in his country. He refers this measure as a tool of dictators. Cole attributes the main reason why the climate in 2016 moved from “pro to no” to the massive propaganda campaigns of the four leading boulevard presses The Sun, Daily Mail, Daily Express and Daily Telegraph. Their motto was “It’s the story that counts”. The outcome of 52% of the voters against EU was the result of that propaganda machinery that targeted the British people’s anxiety of immigration – a tendency of the shift to the right that can be seen also in Europe and the rest of the world.

The BREXIT is a tragedy according to Cole. There is no chance of living happily ever after. He would advise Prime Minister May to revoke and don’t leave, yet estimates that the chance that Great Britain remains in the EU is “slim to none”.

A great thank you to Michael Cole for his thrilling presentation and all the revealing insights!